New J-Center website to target Japan-related citizen diplomacy organizations
Today, the USCCD is pleased to announce its newest partnership with the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnerships, and the unveiling of the new J-Center website. The regional J-Center, with funding from the Japan Foundation will serve the and target the twelve midwestern states to develop, maintain, and expand an online network of Japan-related non-profit organizations, community-based exchange organizations, business association, as well as K-12 institutions.
Through maintaining an organization database, regular blog posts, articles, and program highlights the J-Center will feature the 100+ Japan-related organizations.
The presence of both countries citizenry is felt within the others borders, making the operations of the Japan Foundation and the J-Center integral in promoting and enriching citizen diplomacy activities and opportunities in Japan and the US. For example, 60,000 Americans now reside in Japan as well as 320,000 Japanese living in the US.
"The J-Center will be a valuable resource to anyone looking to connect with and participate in Japanese-related organizations in the Midwest," said Ann Schodde, President and CEO of the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy. "The United States has a long and important history of business, cultural, and educational ties with Japan. The J-Center will work to expand and strengthen those important relationships."
In addition to website services, the J-Center wil:
-convene three conferences (one in Des Moines and two in Japan) with invited leaders of the U.S. organizational network and leaders from partner organizations in Japan;
-expand educational outreach by providing online curricula and teaching materials about Japan to U.S. K-12 schools in the Midwest and elsewhere;
-work in collaboration with the University of Iowa to compile data examining best practices in K-12 and university level study abroad programs, the current state of study abroad, and use of new developments using technology and social media to identify best practices.
Therefore, take a look at the exciting new J-Center website.
Posted Thursday, October 13, 2011